WEST Brom midfielder Youssouf Mulumbu has signed a new, improved deal.

The 23-year-old was linked with a move to Newcastle following Albion’s promotion.

But the DR Congo international has penned a two-year deal, with a further 12 months’ option in the club’s favour.

He is the second player to extend his Hawthorns stay this week, following on from Graham Dorrans on Monday.

Manager Roberto Di Matteo said: “Graham Dorrans signed a new contract three days ago and I’m delighted that another of our talented young players has committed his long-term future to the club.

“Youssouf was one of about five players who played in the majority of our games last season and he played a major role in our success.

“He was only out of the team a short while when I played Gonzalo Jara in the middle. The great thing about Youssouf is that he’s a very humble guy who wants to learn.

“He’s also going to get better and better because he is still young.”

Mulumbu was a crucial and under-rated player in Albion’s promotion campaign, scoring three goals.

He initially linked up with the Baggies on loan from PSG during the second half of their last top-flight campaign two seasons ago but an injury restricted him to two starts and four substitute appearances.

One player who definitely will not be returning to The Hawthorns is Borja Valero, who was yesterday unveiled to the Spanish press following his binding loan-to-permanent transfer to Villarreal.

Borja is pleased to be back in Spain following his disappointing spell in England.

“This is a very important step in my career,” he said. “It didn’t work out for me in England.

“Villarreal are a big club and this is a big move for me. I will get to play in the Europa League and hopefully we can qualify for the Champions League.”

Borja will spend this season on loan before completing a move in excess of £5 million next summer.

Whether Di Matteo will get to spend any of that cash to strengthen Albion’s squad remains to be seen but he may need to think again on the striker front with Liverpool hinting that they may be prepared to sell David Ngog.

The Baggies were hoping to take the striker on loan but the Reds may consider cashing in on him to help raise funds for rebuilding.